To everybody who has posted a note here to me, I want to tell you how very much it means to have you all offer your suggestions and advice.
Yesterday I was absolutely panic stricken b/c I'm not familiar enough with dogs being sick and to me, EVERY episode is grounds for severe anxiety.
I know it's a little crazy to be so in love with this little guy when I had a feeling he was going to need care that would more than likely be somewhat of a financial burden on us, but when I went to pick him up, and he leapt into my arms the second I approached, I think my heart went out to him. He was so emaciated, and so scruffy looking, but so loving that I knew that if I couldn't find his owners I couldn't let him go to just anybody, who might not view a pet in the same way I view/value mine. And I suppose I should have known that I'm not the kind of person who "gets rid" of an animal or allows it to be passed from one home to another. I can't bear the thought of any animal getting comfortable somewhere and then being uprooted again.
And to see how much he's come along since being here; from not knowing what a toy even was, or knowing how to play with another dog, or being comfortable sleeping in or on a bed, but opting to sleep on the hard tile floor; to being the toy theft instigator, shaking them and throwing them wayyy up in the air, to racing around and tumbling on the lawn with Max, to first, sleeping part of the night at the end of the bed, to now, sleeping right next to me most of the night; when he races to the front door if I say we're going somewhere, to almost putting his own harness and leash on himself b/c he's so excited, and practically dressing himself when I bring out a tshirt; it's hard not to become attached.
And when I think about what he's been thru in his little life, it just breaks my heart to think he might have gone thru it all, finally finding someone who truly cares about him, only to lose him because of all my ignorance.
I want you to know that I am going to get him into the vet tomorrow as soon as I can, and I will take all your suggestions with me. I can't tell you in words how very much your kindess and caring about someone who you know not at all, but know more than you want to about
, has touched me.
I'm not normally the kind of person who feels sorry for themself or wants any pity, and I don't really like to acknowledge my feelings in writing, but yesterday I was at my wit's end, knowing how much I love this little Madison monkey and feeling like I was hitting my head against a wall.
I think it's a testament to how wonderful and loving this breed is and really brings out the best in almost everybody. I will update you tomorrow when we get back from the vet's and I hope it's optimistic news.
Again, thank you from the very bottom of all our hearts (esp. Max's, who will be VERY happy when the attention can once again be focused on HIM
).
Seana, Max and Madison